Romans 2:25
New International Version
Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.

New Living Translation
The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile.

English Standard Version
For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.

Berean Standard Bible
Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Berean Literal Bible
For circumcision profits if you do the Law; but if you are a transgressor of Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

King James Bible
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

New King James Version
For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

New American Standard Bible
For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a violator of the Law, your circumcision has turned into uncircumcision.

NASB 1995
For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

NASB 1977
For indeed circumcision is of value, if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Legacy Standard Bible
For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law, but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Amplified Bible
Circumcision [the sign of the covenant of Abraham] is indeed of value if you practice the Law; but if you habitually break the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision [it is meaningless in God’s sight].

Christian Standard Bible
Circumcision benefits you if you observe the law, but if you are a lawbreaker, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For circumcision benefits you if you observe the law, but if you are a lawbreaker, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

American Standard Version
For circumcision indeed profiteth, if thou be a doer of the law: but if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision.

Contemporary English Version
Being circumcised is worthwhile, if you obey the Law. But if you don't obey the Law, you are no better off than people who are not circumcised.

English Revised Version
For circumcision indeed profiteth, if thou be a doer of the law: but if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
For example, circumcision is valuable if you follow Moses' laws. If you don't follow those laws, your circumcision amounts to uncircumcision.

Good News Translation
If you obey the Law, your circumcision is of value; but if you disobey the Law, you might as well never have been circumcised.

International Standard Version
For circumcision is valuable if you observe the Law, but if you break the Law, your having been circumcised has no more value than if you were uncircumcised.

Majority Standard Bible
Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

NET Bible
For circumcision has its value if you practice the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

New Heart English Bible
For circumcision indeed profits, if you are a doer of the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Webster's Bible Translation
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keepest the law; but if thou art a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

Weymouth New Testament
Circumcision does indeed profit, if you obey the Law; but if you are a Law-breaker, the fact that you have been circumcised counts for nothing.

World English Bible
For circumcision indeed profits, if you are a doer of the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For circumcision, indeed, profits, if you may practice law, but if you may be a transgressor of law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Berean Literal Bible
For circumcision profits if you do the Law; but if you are a transgressor of Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Young's Literal Translation
For circumcision, indeed, doth profit, if law thou mayest practise, but if a transgressor of law thou mayest be, thy circumcision hath become uncircumcision.

Smith's Literal Translation
For truly circumcision profits, if thou do the law: and if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision has become uncircumcision.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Circumcision profiteth indeed, if thou keep the law; but if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Certainly, circumcision is beneficial, if you observe the law. But if you are a betrayer of the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.

New American Bible
Circumcision, to be sure, has value if you observe the law; but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

New Revised Standard Version
Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law; but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For circumcision is profitable only if you keep the law: but if you break the law, then circumcision becomes uncircumcision.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For circumcision is beneficial, if you will perfectly observe The Written Law, but if you depart from The Written Law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Now, circumcision is indeed profitable, if you keep the law: but, if you transgress the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.

Godbey New Testament
For circumcision indeed profits, if you do the law: but if you be a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Haweis New Testament
For circumcision indeed is advantageous, if thou practise the law: but if thou art a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision becomes uncircumcision,

Mace New Testament
Circumcision indeed is an advantage, if you keep the law: but if you violate the law, your being a Jew makes you no better than a heathen.

Weymouth New Testament
Circumcision does indeed profit, if you obey the Law; but if you are a Law-breaker, the fact that you have been circumcised counts for nothing.

Worrell New Testament
For circumcision, indeed, profits, if you do the law; but, if you are transgressors of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Worsley New Testament
For circumcision indeed is profitable, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Jews and the Law
24As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” 25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?…

Cross References
Galatians 5:2-6
Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. / Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. / You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. ...

Galatians 6:15
For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.

1 Corinthians 7:18-19
Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised. / Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.

Philippians 3:3
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—

Colossians 2:11
In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands.

Acts 15:1-11
Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” / And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. / Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. ...

Galatians 2:3-5
Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. / This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. / We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.

Galatians 3:28-29
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. / And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

Ephesians 2:11-13
Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— / remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. / But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

Genesis 17:9-14
God also said to Abraham, “You must keep My covenant—you and your descendants in the generations after you. / This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. / You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. ...

Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.

Jeremiah 4:4
Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”

Jeremiah 9:25-26
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh— / Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and all the inhabitants of the desert who clip the hair of their temples. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”

Ezekiel 44:7-9
In addition to all your other abominations, you brought in foreigners uncircumcised in both heart and flesh to occupy My sanctuary; you defiled My temple when you offered My food—the fat and the blood; you broke My covenant. / And you have not kept charge of My holy things, but have appointed others to keep charge of My sanctuary for you.’ / This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites.

Leviticus 26:41
and I acted with hostility toward them and brought them into the land of their enemies—and if their uncircumcised hearts will be humbled and they will make amends for their iniquity,


Treasury of Scripture

For circumcision truly profits, if you keep the law: but if you be a breaker of the law, your circumcision is made uncircumcision.

circumcision.

Romans 2:28,29
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: …

Romans 3:1,2
What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? …

Romans 4:11,12
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: …

but if.

Romans 2:23
Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

Jeremiah 9:25,26
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised; …

Acts 7:51
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Jump to Previous
Break Breaker Circumcised Circumcision Counts Doer Fact Indeed Keepest Law Mayest Obey Observe Practice Practise Profit Profiteth Profits Transgressor True. Uncircumcision Value Verily
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Break Breaker Circumcised Circumcision Counts Doer Fact Indeed Keepest Law Mayest Obey Observe Practice Practise Profit Profiteth Profits Transgressor True. Uncircumcision Value Verily
Romans 2
1. No excuse for sin.
6. No escape from judgment.
14. Gentiles cannot;
17. nor Jews.














Circumcision
In the Jewish tradition, circumcision is a physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, as described in Genesis 17. It is a mark of identity and belonging to the people of Israel. The Greek word used here is "περιτομή" (peritomē), which signifies not just the physical act but also the spiritual and covenantal implications. Historically, circumcision was a point of pride and a distinguishing feature of the Jewish people, setting them apart from Gentiles. In this verse, Paul acknowledges its value but introduces a deeper spiritual principle.

has value
The phrase "has value" translates from the Greek "ὠφελεῖ" (ōpheleí), meaning to be of use or benefit. Paul is emphasizing that circumcision, as a religious rite, holds significance and benefit, but this is conditional. The value is not inherent in the act itself but in its connection to a life lived in accordance with God's law. This challenges the notion that mere outward compliance with religious rituals is sufficient for righteousness.

if you observe the law
The condition "if you observe the law" is crucial. The Greek word for "observe" is "πράσσῃς" (prássēs), which implies practicing or performing. Paul is stressing that the true value of circumcision is realized only when it is accompanied by obedience to the law. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God desires obedience and a heart aligned with His will over mere ritualistic observance (1 Samuel 15:22).

but if you break the law
Here, "break the law" comes from the Greek "παραβάτης" (parabátēs), meaning a transgressor or violator. Paul is addressing the hypocrisy of relying on external signs of faith while failing to live according to God's commandments. This echoes Jesus' teachings against the Pharisees, who were criticized for their outward religiosity but inward disobedience (Matthew 23:27-28).

your circumcision has become uncircumcision
This striking statement uses the Greek "ἀκροβυστία" (akrobystía) for "uncircumcision," which typically refers to Gentiles. Paul is making a radical point: if a Jew, who is circumcised, does not keep the law, they are no better than a Gentile in terms of righteousness before God. This would have been a provocative statement, challenging the Jewish reliance on physical circumcision as a guarantee of their covenant status. It underscores the New Testament teaching that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not merely a physical act (Romans 2:29).

(25-29) This section forms a connecting-link with the opening of the next chapter. "The characteristic mark and badge of the Jew has two sides, the one outward and formal, the other inward and real. Its essence consists in the latter, and without this inward circumcision the outward profits nothing. It is not necessary to be born a Jew to possess it." Precisely the same language might be applied to the Christian sacraments, or to the privileges of any particular communion. Privileges they may be, but they depend for their efficacy entirely upon the disposition of the heart which underlies them.

(25) Is made.--Is become,--ipso facto, "is reduced to the case of."

Verses 25, 26. - For circumcision verily profiteth (not justifieth, but only profiteth: it is of advantage, and no unmeaning rite, if thou understandest and carriest out its meaning; it introduces thee into a state of knowledge and opportunity, and certainty of Divine favour), if thou keep the Law: but if thou be a transgressor of the Law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. If therefore the uncircumcision keep the ordinances of the Law, shall not his uncircumcision he counted for circumcision? Here, again, as in vers. 10, 11, 14, 15, the impartiality of God's dealings with all men alike is distinctly declared.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Circumcision
Περιτομὴ (Peritomē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4061: Circumcision. From peritemno; circumcision.

has value
ὠφελεῖ (ōphelei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5623: To help, benefit, do good, be useful (to), profit. From the same as opheleia; to be useful, i.e. To benefit.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

you observe
πράσσῃς (prassēs)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4238: To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require.

[the] Law,
νόμον (nomon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

you
ᾖς (ēs)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

break
παραβάτης (parabatēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3848: A transgressor, law-breaker. From parabaino; a violator.

[the] Law,
νόμου (nomou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

circumcision
περιτομή (peritomē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4061: Circumcision. From peritemno; circumcision.

has become
γέγονεν (gegonen)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

uncircumcision.
ἀκροβυστία (akrobystia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 203: From akron and probably a modified form of posthe; the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised state or person.


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NT Letters: Romans 2:25 For circumcision indeed profits if you (Rom. Ro)
Romans 2:24
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